The651.com

While most Holidays are family-oriented by nature, New Years is kind of a problem for us. When I think of New Years Eve I mostly think of 3 things: formal attire, champagne toasts and a kiss at midnight. All of which more-or-less eliminate participation by children. And it’s further complicated by the fact that the grown-ups really, really want to go do those things by themselves anyway.

So we’ve always been at a loss for how to make New Years Eve at all relevant to our kids. Turns out 3 of our favorite St. Paul family institutions have their own solutions.

At the Ordway is Belle’s New Years Eve Ball – an event that piggybacks on the final weekend of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the theater. After the 2:00 matinee, families can join the cast of the show for a New Years-themed afterparty that includes music by Radio Disney, activities, food and an apple cider toast to the New Year at 6:00 PM (It’s midnight somewhere, right?). A few reasons why this seems like a good idea: First, its the last weekend of the show so if you haven’t seen it, now is the time. Second, It’s only $5 per person above the cost of the ticket. Call the Ordway Box Office at 651.224.4222 for  info.

Down the street, the Minnesota Children’s Museum hosts Sparkle-Rama, where kids are encouraged to get in the spirit by wearing their sparkliest clothes. Our kids aren’t really the sparkly-clothes type, but the event sounds awesome no matter what you wear. As with the Ordway event, there are hands-on craft activities and such, but one major difference is live music from children’s band Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade. The New Years countdown at this one is at 8PM, still early enough for the parents to celebrate on their own later. Call 651.225.6035 for more info.

If either of those are too late for you, Como Park Zoo has the cleverly named Noon Years Eve which takes place from 10AM to 1PM, with a “beach ball drop” to celebrate the New Year at noon. Kids can make hats and horns, take part in a scavenger hunt and dance to tunes provided by the Radio Disney Party Patrol (who presumably dash over to the Ordway afterwards for their party?). More info on the Como Park website.